Modi said that the Uttar Pradesh government was monitoring the situation. Varanasi is the parliamentary constituency of the prime minister.

"Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to the collapse of an under-construction flyover in Varanasi. I pray that the injured recover soon. Spoke to officials and asked them to ensure all possible support to those affected," he tweeted.

In another tweet, he said he had spoken with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"The UP Government is monitoring the situation very closely and is working on the ground to assist the affected," the tweet read

Naidu too condoled the deaths in the incident in a tweet.

Photo-PTI

An eyewitness said that there are people trapped under the debris. He said that four two-wheelers, an auto rickshaw and a minibus were crushed when the flyover collapsed.